Subaru’s innovative DriverFocus system intends to mitigate driver distraction, and builds on other advanced safety features available to shoppers. - Joe Carlson
- Contributed

Last month, one of Subaru’s latest safety innovations took home the title of the Best Safety Innovation for 2019. The win comes from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which is comprised of a panel of Canada’s top auto experts, who meet annually to evaluate the latest vehicles and technologies on the market.

AJAC’s innovation awards, which saw the big win for Subaru, are announced after a panel of specially-qualified AJAC members review, study, evaluate and vote on the latest new-to-market safety and tech features.

“The Innovation Awards now recognize safety, environmental awareness and technology,” said Mark Richardson, president of AJAC.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the very best and most innovative examples of new automotive products available to Canadian drivers.”

Subaru’s innovative DriverFocus system intends to mitigate driver distraction and builds on other advanced safety features available to shoppers.

These include the Subaru EyeSight safety system system, which launched a few years ago. Subaru’s EyeSight system uses a set of outward-looking cameras to detect potential hazards in the driving environment, and provides early warning to the driver when required.

But the DriverFocus system turns the camera toward the driver, instead.

Using a special camera mounted on the dash, the driver’s face is analyzed in real time. The camera does not record anything, but instead watches the driver. Facial recognition software is then used to identify signs of driver fatigue or distraction.

For instance, DriverFocus can determine the position of the driver’s head, to help ascertain whether or not they’re looking straight up the road. The system can also measure the distance between the driver’s eyelids, and track it over time.

Using metrics like these, the system is able to provide audible and visual alerts if the driver is distracted, or becoming drowsy. Other than a short registration process to introduce the system to the driver’s face, nothing additional is required.

“As our brand continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of customers, our commitment to safety is second to none,” said Yasushi Enami, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. “This award from AJAC is a wonderful tribute to Subaru's core values as we prioritize the safety of not just Subaru drivers, but the safety of all.”

At writing, DriverFocus is available on the 2019 Subaru Forester SUV and upcoming 2020 Subaru Legacy sedan.